WTVM Editorial 3/3/17: Reading and success

(WTVM) - It seems that every week, one or more of our News Leader 9 anchors are in a classroom reading to area children.

Reading is so essential to children’s success that no matter what it takes, we should all play a role in rewarding our children for reading as early and as often as they can.

Our anchors Barbara, Jason and Roslyn read to kids at the boys and girls clubs to mark the 113th birthday of dr. Seuss, Theodore Geisel, the writer who transports kids to a fantasy land but always brings them back with a useful message.

The entertaining books that Dr. Seuss wrote can start children on a life-long path of discovery and learning.

One of his later books was “Oh the Places You’ll Go” and this line is not only a classic, but true on every level: "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who'll decide where to go".

Dr. Seuss writes simply, almost musically. His message is upbeat and motivating. Teaching solid reading skills is essential to success.

It increases vocabulary. It makes you a better writer. Experts say reading helps us learn to socialize better and learn to be empathetic to others.

Studies show reading spiritual books can lower your blood pressure; reading self-help books can help relieve stress for some people suffering from mood disorders. Reading novels transports us to another world. Reading non-fiction can make us more interesting people with more to talk about.

Even though it seems tablets and smartphones have our children’s attention these days, reading doesn’t have to take a back seat.